The singer of an influential 80s rock band has died at the age of 71

Gary Floyd, frontman of the Texas punk rock band The Dicks, has died. He was 71.

The Austin Chronicle reported Floyd died Friday. At the hospital, he was taken off life support after suffering from heart failure.

Some musicians in the industry expressed their condolences and appreciation on social media as news of Floyd’s death broke. Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum shared a painting of Floyd and a heartfelt message.

“Gary Floyd left us last night,” the headline read. “I met Gary through Lynn, my SF sister, who plays drums and bass and sings with Imperial Teen, but before that played drums with the Dicks. Gary was the singer and they went on to play together on Sister Double Happiness. Gary was a hero, hilarious and proud, and popularized gay punk rock before all of us. He was an artist, a friend and an inspiration. Gary was San Francisco in a nutshell. Thank you, Gary, for changing everything and being there for all of us. Love.”

Floyd was born in Palestine, Texas and lived in Houston for several years before moving to Austin in 1974-19

The Dicks formed in 1980 with Floyd as lead singer, bassist Buxf Parrot, drummer Pat Deason and guitarist Glen Taylor as founding members. Floyd was openly gay and performed in drag at the band’s concerts. Many of their songs were political, including “Anti-Klan (Part 1),” “No Nazi’s Friend,” “No F—–‘ War,” “I Hope You Get Drafted,” and “Bourgeois Fascist Pig.”

The Dicks influenced many punk bands that became popular in the ’80s, such as the Dead Kennedys.

When the band finally broke up in 1986, Floyd performed in other bands including Sister Double Happiness (which toured with Nirvana and Soundgarden), Black Kali Ma and the Buddha Brothers, and a San Francisco variant of the Dicks Pitchfork.

Floyd was also a published author who wrote two books, including his memoir “Please Bee Nice: My Life Up ‘Til Now: A Gary Floyd Memoir” and “I Said That: Volume 1: The Dicks,” a compilation of song lyrics .

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Saleah Blancaflor can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley And Instagram.